When an Ohioan suffers from a substance use disorder (SUD), civil legal issues can arise not only for the person living with or recovering from addiction, but also for their family.
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation funds a grant program supported by state General Revenue Fund dollars to address legal issues related to SUD. At the Foundation’s June board meeting, representatives from Ohio’s legal aids provided an overview of how the grant funds civil legal services to help people with SUD and their families overcome barriers to stability.
Legal aid helps with a variety of civil legal challenges, including helping to remove barriers to employment for Ohioans recovering from a SUD and assisting grandparents or other kin in obtaining custody of children whose parents are struggling with a SUD.
Among legal aid’s SUD-impacted clients in 2025:
- 78% were women
- 34% experienced domestic violence
- 30% had a disability
- 19% were seniors
An important component of legal aid’s model is to build partnerships with referral sources to reach Ohioans impacted by SUD. Legal aid works with recovery service providers, local courts, health centers, and other nonprofits to connect with clients. Care is taken to meet with clients in settings that limit stigma.
“Legal aids across Ohio are making a tremendous impact in helping to address the civil legal impacts of addiction,” said Angie Lloyd, the Foundation’s executive director. “We’re grateful to the Ohio Legislature for funding critical legal work that helps Ohioans meet their full potential.”
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation is the largest funder of civil legal services in Ohio. A gift to the Foundation supports Ohio’s legal aids.